R-86 (S-286 Approved April 2, 1970 was a resolution creating a special legislative commission to study the present functions and future role of the public institutions at the Howard reservation.

The commission was comprised of 15 members “whose purpose was to study the present functions of the facilities at the Howard reservation to determine whether any or all of the services now provided at the Howard reservation should be continued at that location and to make recommendations as to which if any of the facilities and functions should be relocated elsewhere, together with a comprehensive plan as to the time when and manner in which such facilities should be relocated, including the anticipated cost of such relocation and recommendations as to the use and disposition of such land and buildings as the commission may determine are no longer needed for their present functions.” The Commission was to report its findings and recommendations to the general assembly on or before April 1, 1971.